Authorities Say Woman Set Fire Over Bad Tattoo

PONTIAC (WWJ) – A Pontiac woman has been charged with arson after authorities say she set a house on fire over an unsatisfactory tattoo.

According to Oakland County Sheriff’s officials, 32-year-old Starr Burgess and multiple others were drinking heavily early Tuesday morning on Crescent Drive where Burgess was having a tattoo applied. The tattoo artist reportedly fell asleep or passed out during the application.

Starr then left with friends and returned a short time later with friends, demanding her money back. An argument ensued at which time Starr stated, according to witnesses, that she was “going to blow up the house and burn this bitch down.”

There were seven people in the home at the time of the fire, including several children. Two residents told deputies they awoke to the smell of gasoline and heard a “woosh” sound and then saw flames outside an open window.

When witnesses ran outside they saw Starr running to a car and reportedly heard her yell, “I told you I was going to burn the bitch down.”

No injuries were reported. The home was damaged, with part of the vinyl siding melted and charred.

Bond was set at $25,000, 10 percent for Starr who could face up to 20 years in prison if convicted.